Emergency Preparedness is a (Community and Individual) Act of Kindness

The ways in which we are kind during, and after, any type of weather-related emergency also manifests itself in many big and little ways.

Give yourself credit for the invisible and visible ways that you are kind on a daily basis. 

The other day I had the opportunity to hand deliver about forty SNA newsletters. On the north side of SE Taylor and the south side of SE Yamhill, from Cesar Chavez to SE 42nd Avenue, and on the east side of SE 42nd Avenue between these two blocks. There was a lot of climbing up and down the mostly uneven stairs with many not-so-stable handrails to guide me. It was a sunny day with no snow or ice – just a few damp leaves and branches scattered about. 

I share this story with you so that you consider making it safer for those who deliver mail and other items to our homes every day. Making it easier for people to navigate to our front doors would be an act of kindness.

As winter comes (well, it feels like it’s already here), let’s keep the streets and sidewalks in front of our homes free from leaves, garbage, ice and snow so that it’s safe for all of us to get around by car, bicycle and on foot.

Be prepared, not scared.

Jan S. Molinaro

Co-Chair, Sunnyside Prepared!

Author: Jan S. Molinaro

Co-Chair, Sunnyside Prepared!